Through the use of Tomatis® Therapy, people of all ages can experience significant improvements in their cognitive abilities and brain functions. Tomatis® Therapy is a holistic rehabilitation approach that utilizes sound waves and music therapy to activate specific parts of the brain and enhance communication between various brain regions. This natural sound frequency contributes to the improvement of memory, concentration, language development, learning ability, and even emotional balance.
What is the Tomatis® Method?
The Tomatis® Method is an advanced and innovative form of neurosensory stimulation training to improve brain function, developed by Dr. Alfred Tomatis. This method uses specially modified audio recordings to stimulate hearing and auditory processing. Over the years, this method has proven effective in treating a range of hearing and communication problems, as well as auditory processing disorders. The Tomatis® Method is practiced in more than 75 countries worldwide and helps over 200,000 people annually.
How does the Tomatis® Method work?
The Tomatis® Method stimulates the auditory system through various sound exercises targeting specific frequencies. It is believed that these sounds improve neural organization in the brain by activating different centers responsible for motor control, language development, memory, attention span, emotional regulation, and more. In many cases, the Tomatis® Method is combined with other forms of therapy.
Why Mozart?
The Tomatis® Method uses filtered sounds that support the ear in its task of distinguishing tones. Listening to even more filtered sound corresponds to a prenatal experience because the ear’s task is to stimulate the developing nervous system. According to A. Tomatis, the reason the ear is capable of functioning so early lies in the fact that the ear plays an important role in dynamizing the developing nervous system even before birth by hearing low frequencies and recognizing them as patterns or signals.
Mozart’s music was chosen by Tomatis® because it exhibits a perfect balance between rhythm, melody, and harmony. This balance helps listeners at a fundamental level by calming them and assisting them in reconnecting with themselves through relaxation. Mozart also contains an internal rhythm of 0.5 seconds, equivalent to a heartbeat of 120 beats per minute. Studies have shown that this type of rhythm can be helpful for people experiencing stress or anxiety. The combination of improved sound perception with this natural calming effect makes Mozart’s music invaluable in therapy programs like the Tomatis® Method.
The music selection in the Tomatis® Method is carefully chosen for its ability to stimulate specific areas of the brain and promote relaxation while increasing concentration. Studies have shown that using certain pieces by composers like Mozart can simultaneously stimulate multiple areas of the brain, leading to an overall more effective listening experience. In addition to Mozart’s works, Tomatis sessions often incorporate other musical genres such as Gregorian chants, waltzes, marches, sonatas, and minuets to further enhance the results of auditory stimulation. As these pieces are deliberately selected, they help listeners remain present and open to learning new concepts and forming new neural pathways in their brains.
The Tomatis® Method consists of three main phases:
- Listening phase – specialized headphones are used for continuous audio stimulation;
- Growth phase – new activities for cognitive development are introduced;
- Consolidation phase – the results achieved from the previous phases are reinforced. This approach helps individuals learn to listen better while improving their concentration and organizational skills simultaneously.
What are the benefits of the Tomatis® Method?
- Improves cognitive function
- Enhances auditory processing
- Boosts self-confidence
- Improves communication skills
- Increases academic performance
- Enhances self-regulation ability
- Increases social interaction skills
- Improves attention span and concentration
- Alleviates symptoms of ADHD, autism, and other disorders
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves fine motor skills
- Enhances physical well-being
- Improves sleep quality
- Promotes social and emotional development
Can I/my child use the Tomatis® Method even if the headphones are not accepted?
The Tomatis bone conduction kit is a specialized system designed for auditory stimulation through bone conduction. Unlike conventional headphones, which transmit sound through the air to the eardrums, bone conduction technology bypasses the outer and middle ear, directly stimulating the inner ear, specifically the cochlea, through vibrations transmitted via the skull bones.
The kit typically includes a belt and a glove, both equipped with transducers that generate vibrations. These vibrations are transferred to specific body areas, such as the sternum via the belt and the hand via the glove. When activated, the transducers create vibrations that travel through the bones to the cochlea, where they are perceived as sound by the brain.
The bone conduction kit is often used in auditory training programs developed by Tomatis to provide sensory stimulation and improve auditory processing skills. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with auditory processing disorders, sensory processing issues, or certain types of hearing loss. The use of bone conduction technology offers unique auditory experiences and can enhance the effectiveness of auditory training interventions.
- The Tomatis® Method can benefit people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
- The Tomatis® Method can also be beneficial for musicians and singers by improving vocal range and expression and helping alleviate muscle tension in the jaw and neck area.
- For individuals looking to optimize their performance in a variety of activities – from sports to academics – the Tomatis® Method is an effective tool that can help them reach their full potential.
- This treatment can also be an excellent tool for anyone struggling with speech issues such as stuttering, lisping, and articulation problems.
Our auditory system is fundamental
to our interaction with the world – from perceiving subtle sounds
to enhancing communication.
Vagus (wandering) nerve
- Taste
- Sleep
- Breathing
- Digestion
Vestibular system
- Balance
- Movement and coordination
- Spatial awareness
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Taste, smell
Cochlea
- Memory
- Intuition
- Creativity
- LanguageLang
- uage skills
Air
- Visual attention
- Visual processing
- Reading
- Tracking
A typical Tomatis® program lasts about 10 to 12 weeks.
The Tomatis® Method consists of three phases, each including 15 sessions that should last between 40 and 120 minutes. The duration of each session varies from person to person, depending on age, physical and mental condition, needs, and overall health. Therefore, the exact duration of each session can be adjusted to the individual’s specific needs. Additionally, there is a 6-8 week break between phases to allow adequate time for assimilation and integration after each phase.
In short, the Tomatis® Method is an effective tool that can help almost anyone improve their overall functioning on many levels!
